counsels, and in his last days she watched over his sickness and death, in her father's house, which he had made his home for several months. The volume is, in a great measure, composed of the letters of friends addressed to Malvina, in the different stages of her life and education, and evinces, what it is primarily intended to show, we presume, the importance of making the conversion of their children, the paramount aim of parents. Whilst there is nothing remarkable in the experience or piety of the youthful subject of the Memoir, it may, on that account, be the more useful, because the more imitatable, and the more likely to be the aim of others.

!

10.--Ilis/ory of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign

Missions, compiled chiefly from the published and unpub-
lished documents of the Board. By Joseph Tracy. Second
polition, carefully revised and enlarged. New York: M.

W. Dodd. 1842. pp. 452.
The subsequent recommendation of this work by the Secre-
taries of the Board, will probably be more effectual than any
thing we could say—“ The • History of the American Board of
Commissioners for Foreign Missions, by the Rev. J. Tracy,' is
far from being a mere abstract of the Annual Reports of the
Board. The civil year, to which he has reduced his facts, does
not correspond to the financial year, embraced in those Reports.
This made it necessary for the author to consult the original
documents, which he did with laborious and accurate re-
search. The plan of his history, if not so well adapted as
some others to con:inuous reading and popular effect, is admi-
rably fitted for reference, and for aiding those on whom it may
devolve to give instruction concerning missions at the Monthly
Concert and elsewhere. What we say is of course not de-
signed to iniply, that the Board is in any way responsible for
the correctness of the facts or opinions embodied in this
work; but we may express our own conviction, that it will
not soon be superseded by a history more comprehensive
more concise, more clear and accurate, or more worthy of oc-
cupying a place in the libraries of ministers of the gospel,
and intelligent laymen.” We only add, that those interested
in the history of Missions, will find some details in this vol-
ume, not published in the Missionary Herald; and we cherish
the hope, that Christian families generally will give it a place
not only in their libraries, but in their reading. This second
edition is confined to the history of the Missions of the Ameri-
can Board.

a

11.-- Thirty-four Letters to a Son in the Ministry, by Rev. Heman

Humphrey, President of Amherst College. Amherst : J.
S. & C. Adams. New York: Dayton & Newman.

Boston : Crocker & Brewster. 1842. pp. 352. The name of the author of this volume is a sufficient recommendation of its contents. Dr. Humphrey always writes well for the public, and his thoughts are seldom common place. We know of no better “ Pastor's Manual" than this. The young minister will here find the reflections of a matured and observant mind, on almost all subjects connected with his relations to the church and the world. We cannot but hope that every licentiate will possess a copy of a book so especially adapted to his wants, and so admirably filling a place hitherto comparatively a void. Here are the results of the Doctor's own experience, in valuable suggestions on,-Preaching as a Candidate - Settlement - First Sermons after SettlementDoctrinal and Practical Preaching-- Objects of PreachingStudy and Writing of Sermons-[iferent kinds of SermonsDelivery of Sermons- Public Prayer--Exchanges-Travelling on Sabbath to Exchange-Pastoral Visiting-Funerals

Catechising, Sabbath Schools, Bible Classes- Attending Ec• clesiastical Bodies-Revivals of Religion---Ministerial Example-Miscellaneous Reading, Health, etc. etc. On all these topics, the remarks are eminently practical, and we think judicious. The letters on Revivals are particularly worthy of careful perusal by all who exercise the office of the ministry. We cannot but think, that the views expressed on the impropriety of encouraging a class of Revival-Evangelists, if we may use the term, and on the better way of calling in the aid of neighboring pastors, when there is such special attention to the interests of the soul, as to demand extra preaching and labor, are those of a sound, christian discretion. The proper conduct of revivals of religion is intimately connected with the best permanent interests of the church, and ought to secure the close attention of all who are likely to be interested in measures to promote them.

12.--The Works of the Right Rev. Father in God, Joseph But

ler, D. C. L., late Lord Bishop of Durham. To which is prefixed an Account of the Character and Writings of the Author. By Samuel Halifax, D. D., lale Lord Bishop of

Gloucester. New York: Robert Carter. 1842. pp. 303. The publisher has here offered to the religious and philosophical community, the complete works of Bishop Butler, so well known as the author of “ The Analogy of Religion.” That part of his labors has long been before the public, and will doubtless be demanded, whilst man loves to think. Had the Bishop written nothing else, he had immortalized himself; and indeed little more is left us, the remainder of the volume being occupied by his brief essays on Personal Identity,” and on

“Human Virtue," six Sermons, a Charge to the Clergy, and his Correspondence with Dr. Samuel Clarke. The whole is embraced in a large octavo volume, printed in a good, clear type of such size that the eyes will not be impaired by reading it; and we should be glad that more persons would try their eyes and their intellects in perusing and pon. dering such essays as the “ Analogy.” We promise them as a compensation, better eye-sight, it may be of the mind.

13.- Sermons and Sketches of Sermons. By the Rev. John Sum

merfield, A. M., late a preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church. With an Introduction by the Rev. Thomas Bond, M. D. New York: Harper & Brothers, 1842. Pp. 437.

This is a handsomne octavo volume of sketches of sermons, by one whose memory is precious to the saints, and must be especially dear to our Methodist brethren. We do not wonder that they desire thus to embalm him in their hearts. These Sermons show that Mr. Summerfield was not idle whilst he lived, and that, with his beautiful genius and creative powers, he did not deem it useless to spend time and thought on his preparations for the sacred desk. And we hope that these skeletons will be valued only as mementos of Summerfield, and not be a resort for lazy preachers, like Simeon's and some others.

It is evident from these sketches, that Mr. Summerfield was in the habit of studying his subjects well, and thoroughly imbuing his mind with them prior to his entering the pulpit. He knew beforehand what he was going to say, and when he came to say it, it was with fullness of illustration, and beauty of diction and manner. In our youth, we heard him preaclı from the vision of Isaiah, of which we find a sketch in this volume, and we shall never forget the impression lest on us by his whole manner, and by the strikingly beautiful representation of the vision, especially of the seraph flying and taking the live coal from off the altar. It was graphic. We seemed to be transported bodily to the presence of ihe throne, and there to behold with our eyes the seraph, the altar, the sacrifice.

14.-A Dictionary of Science, Literature, and Art. Compris.

ing the History, Description, and Scientific Principles of every branch of Human Knowledge ; with the derivation and definition of ail the terms in general use. Illustrated by Engravings on Wood. Edited by M. T. Brande, F. R. S. L. f E. New York: Wiley &

Putnam, pp. 1500. The work is to be published in twenty-four semi-monthly parts, of fifty-six pages each, and, when completed, will make iwo large octavo volumes, in small type, though clear, containing an invaluable fund of information on the encyclopedia of Science, Literature, and Art. The whole circle of knowledge is divided into ten sections, each entrusted to one of the most celebrated scholars of the age, in his particular department-lo such men as Brande, Lindley, Loudon, McCulloch, Owen, etc. These names are a sufficient guaranty for the propei

execution of the work, and we confidently expect this to be the best Dictionary or Cyclopedia, of its kind, in the English language. We cannot but regret that the typographical execution of the Greek words is not better. The accents are seldom introduced, yet sufficiently often to destroy uniformity. 15.- The Twin Sisters; A Tale for Youth. By Mrs. Sandham.

From the twentieth London Edition. New York: D.

Appleton & Co., 1842. pp. 176. This little volume seems to have commended itself to the English public, as they have called for the twentieth edition ; and we presume it will find favor on this side the water. The tale is told in a simple style, and is intended to illustrate “the benefits of devotion, in the lives of two very young persons." They were twin sisters, who were early placed under the influence of a pious aunt, and thus led, by a blessing on her efforts, to walk in ways of righteousness and peace. The story will be interesting to youth, and the book is perhaps one of the safest of this description that can be put into their hands.

16.- The Daughters of England ; their Position in Society, Chur

acter, and Responsibilities. By Mrs. Ellis, Author of “The Women of England,” etc. etc, New York: D. Ap. pleton & Co., 1842. pp. 280.

Mrs. Ellis, the amiable authoress of this volume, is already savorably known to us by her“ Women of England," “ Hints

to make Home Happy," etc. The present volume is indica. tive of her deep interest in the proper education of her sex, and we are glad to learn. from her preface, that she intends, in future volumes, to “consider the character and condition of the wives and mothers of England.” We think her peculiarly qualified to write on these important topics. Her style is such as to interest, and her thoughis and sentiments are deeply imbued with the spirit of Christianity. One can scarcely help feeling that woman must be benefited, if woman will but read her remarks with a right mind. In the present work, she begins with " Important Inquiries,” then proceeds to treat of " Economy of Time," Cleverness, Learning, Knowledge," " Music, Painting, and Poetry," “ Taste, Tact, and Observation," " Beauty, Health, and Temper," "Society, Friendship, and Flirtation,” “Love and Courtship," “ Artifice and Integrity,” etc. Under all these topics there will be found most judicious observations, well worthy the serious consideration of the Daughters of America. We cannot re. frain from giving our readers one extract from her remarks on Music. “If the use of accomplishments be to make a show of them in society, then a little skill in music is certainly not worth its cost. But if the object of a daughter is to soothe the weary spirit of a father when he returns home from the office or the counting-house, where he has been toiling for her maintenance; to beguile a mother of her cares, or to charm a suffering sister into forgetfulness of her pain; then a very little skill in music may often be made to answer as noble a purpose as a great deal; and never does a daughter appear to more advantage, than when she cheerfully lays aside a fashionable air, and strums over, for more than the hundredth time, some old dirty which her father loves. To her ear, it is possible, it may be altogether divested of the slightest charm. But of what importance is that? The old man listens until tears are glistening in his eyes, for he sees again the home of his childhood, he hears his father's voice, he feels his mother's welcome--all things familiar to his heart in early youth come back to him with the long-remembered strain, and, happiest thought of all! they are revived by the playful fingers of his own beloved child." The remainder of the passage is beautifully touching, but we are obliged to desist, praying that Mrs. Ellis may be long spared to the world!